NutritionDoc

Some suggestions for your new year resolutions:

 

Don't buy anything with more than 5 ingredients.

 

If you can not pronounce the ingredients on the package label, don't buy it.

 

Don't buy anything with a cartoon on it - it's being advertised directly to your kids or grandkids.

 

If you don't want your kids eating junk food, don't have it in your house.

 

Don't buy artificial anything - it is just disguising bad taste.

 

Don't buy foods that seem like health foods - but really aren't. Just because candy comes covered with yogurt, doesn't make it good for you. Skip the "power bars" and "energy drinks" that purport to help athletes refuel: they are loaded with sweeteners and extra calories. And don't buy anything with claims for health benefits. These are out of context and you need to search for the qualifying statements in tiny print.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This holiday gift giving season, think beyond the snowflake sweater and cheese thru the mail. Consider supporting your loved ones' health and fitness well into the New Year with gifts that will help them live healthier longer. No worries about getting the right size or color. Here are some ideas:

 

Pedometer: Current research shows that getting at least 5,000 steps a day moves you along the path to increased health and fitness. A pedometer encourages a healthy walking habit and is a fun, easy way to track progress. Many models also track calories burned and distance covered, a real motivator!

 

Stationary bike frame: Turn an ordinary road bike into an indoor stationary bike! Spin style stationary biking is easier on the joints and encourages exercise, regardless of the weather. Simply put a road bike into the frame and enjoy an indoor stationary workout.

 

Fitness videos: Many people prefer the convenience and privacy of working out at home. Whatever activity gets your loved ones moving, there is a fitness video to match. Check out www.videofitness.com for a great overview.

 

Portion Control Bowls: In our "super sized" culture, it is hard to get a handle on proper portion size. You can get graduated bowls, with colorful designs that clearly indicate portion sizing and take the guesswork out of measuring meals and treats.

 

Healthy cookbooks: If someone on your gift list likes to cook, make their time in the kitchen fun and healthful. The American Heart Assoc. puts out several tasty options. Check out your local bookstore or www.americanheart.org.

 

Rice cooker/steamer: Make it easy to incorporate more healthful whole grains into the diet. A rice cooker/steamer is a self contained appliance that controls the heat and timing in the preparation of brown rice and other whole grains.

 

Grill pan: Stovetop grill pans have grooves in the bottom that allow the fat to drain off meats and that sear food with authentic looking grill marks. They are as easy to use as an ordinary skillet.

 

Athletic wear and gear: A gift certificate to a nearby athletic store will encourage your loved one to buy comfortable workout clothes or proper gear to get them outfitted, equipped and motivated to exercise.

 

Happy shopping!

 

"Hearty serving," says the label on many of Boston Market's new frozen Home Style Meals. They are not kidding.

Boston's Meatloaf with Homestyle Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Salisbury Steak with Mac & Cheese have enough calories (some 700) to make a hearty contribution to your belly fund. And your ticker needs their day's worth of bad fat ( about 18 grams) and sodium (about 2,000 mg) like your salary needs a trim.

The Swedish Meatballs, "with freshly made buttered egg noodles," will contribute 860 calories and 21 grams of bad fat to those freshly made fat depots under your belt and inisde your artery walls.

Even the Home Style Meals that are not labeled "hearty" mount a stealth assault on your body parts. The Honey Roasted Chicken with Au Gratin Potatoes, serves up 410 calories, 8 grams of bad fat, and 1140 mg of sodium on an aluminum platter. The Lasagna with Meat Sauce is even worse.

A few of the company's frozen meals keep the bad fat to around 3 grams, but the sodium will still pump up your blood pressure.

Boston has some of the greatest markets in the world. Boston Market is not one of them.

Choose wisely . . .  live well.